Why To Start (or Attend, or Support) A New Church:

Here are some reasons off the top of my head that I think every Christian should consider whether they should help a new church get off the ground. The list is certainly not exhaustive, and may be repetitive at parts, but here is my own passion:
- The world/nation/province/city/town needs more churches to reach more people with the Gospel
- A new generation of unchurched masses needs a fresh expression and presentation of the ageless Gospel
- God is always up to something new, particularly in regards to the salvation of souls. It's a good idea to be on board with Him.
- You can be an encouragement to others who sense the need to start something new.
- Evangelism isn't meant to be a solo exercise, but a community event. A new church often excels at evangelism.
- There's a fresh excitement and willingness to work together, which results in deeper relationships and friendships with others.
- Missions isn't just overseas. It starts in your own backyard. A Christian is called to be a missionary where he/she is planted. Church planting is hard core missionary work.
- Particular churches attract particular people to the Gospel. There's a demographic in your town that isn't being serviced by any other church. Maybe there's a church for them in your future.
- While we are passionate about reaching 'the ends of the earth', we are also told to be witnesses of Jesus in our own Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria.
- Christianity isn't about attending a church, but being a part of the Kingdom of God on mission. Church attendance alone is boring and trivial, while involvement in a church plant is difficult, frustrating, intense, all-encompassing, and extremely rewarding. In short, it's the adventure we are meant to live (John 10:10).
- God wrapped Himself in skin and bones, took on flesh, cried, filled his diaper, was tempted (really), hurt badly both emotionally and physically, suffered, and died. It's called "incarnation". You and I are also called to incarnate the Gospel where we live, with the people around us.
- Attending church in another town makes it more difficult to bring your neighbours and friends along. Is there a church you can be involved with where you live? If not, why not help start one instead of commuting to your spiritual community?
- Churches are closing every week. Meanwhile, our population is exploding. There are fewer churches per capita than even 10 years ago. Canada needs more churches.
- Jesus called His followers "salt" and "light". In a world that has lost it's taste and is groping in the dark, it's time that we stop warehousing our light and blaming the world for being so dark. We must strategically construct beams of light around our neighbourhoods, towns, cities, and the world.
- Very few places are saturated with Gospel presence (in terms of Gospel preaching/displaying churches). Other towns have absolutely NO Gospel presence. What about your town, city, or neighbourhood? What about mine?

I'd love to hear more reasons to join a church plant, and maybe some pushback on mine. Please post below.